hydrophobic

adjective

hy·​dro·​pho·​bic ˌhī-drə-ˈfō-bik How to pronounce hydrophobic (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or suffering from hydrophobia
2
: lacking affinity for water
hydrophobicity noun

Examples of hydrophobic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
On top of the blade laying down small bits of silicone—which is inherently hydrophobic—Michelin has treated the wiper with four layers of its hydrophobic coating to improve clearing ability before the wiper is even engaged. Matt Crisara, Popular Mechanics, 12 Jan. 2023 Body of knowledge The human body is approximately 60 percent water — a little more for men, a little less for women, who typically have more hydrophobic fat content. Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2023 These anti-humid feats are usually courtesy of polyester, which is literally hydrophobic and water-repellent. Maverick Li, menshealth.com, 19 Apr. 2023 The trick is a deft blend of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic yarns in a knit structure that promotes airflow and keeps just the right amount of moisture against the skin. Outside Online, 14 Sep. 2021 See all Example Sentences for hydrophobic 

Word History

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hydrophobic was in 1807

Dictionary Entries Near hydrophobic

Cite this Entry

“Hydrophobic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydrophobic. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

hydrophobic

adjective
hy·​dro·​pho·​bic -ˈfō-bik How to pronounce hydrophobic (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or suffering from hydrophobia
2
: resistant to or avoiding wetting
a hydrophobic lens
3
: of, relating to, or having a lack of affinity for water
hydrophobic colloids are relatively unstable
compare lyophobic, oleophobic
hydrophobically adverb
hydrophobicity noun
plural hydrophobicities
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!